Italy for fair trial against its killer mariners

PTI, PANAJI | 01 June 2013 22:16 IST

Italy on Saturday said it expects "fair and fast" trial of its marines, allegedly involved in the killing of two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast that should be to the satisfaction of both the countries.

"This has been a difficult issue between the two governments for the last 16 months. We are working with the Indian institutions for the investigation and trial to be concluded soon with mutual satisfaction," Daniele Mancini, Italy's Ambassador to India, told a news agency in Goa.

"We are expecting a fair and fast trial," he added.

The marines issue did not touch upon the very positive public opinion about India in Italy and vice versa, which is very important, he added.

"What we want to do is that two governments should come together more strongly after this case and I am pretty confident that it will happen," he added.

Mancini was here to meet the representatives at Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

On February 15, 2012, two Indian fishermen on a fishing boat were allegedly shot dead by members of an Italian Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD) deployed on MT Enrica Lexie at approximately 20.5 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala.

The two marines-- Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone-- are being tried for murder by Indian investigating authorities.